Hybrid cloud is a surging trend across the globe, reshaping the way organizations function through new IT operating models and technologies. The hybrid cloud is enabling businesses to weld the capabilities of private cloud, public cloud, and on-premises deployment, allowing migration of applications and sharing data across environments.
The hybrid cloud IT infrastructure allows organizations to make the best of the cloud for running workloads and managing important application data. Both of these are indispensable, as there is no one way to define the best cloud deployment when it comes to specific requirements of an organization. A well-designed hybrid cloud infrastructure delivers enhanced economics, reduced IT costs, and facilitates IT teams administer and manage multiple cloud environments.
Cons of Hybrid Cloud
While several advantages are associated with the hybrid cloud infrastructure, it is not the right cloud deployment for all organizations. There are numerous disadvantages of the hybrid cloud that outweigh its advantages, based on key priorities, needs, and budget constraints of organizations.
Implementation
The hybrid cloud infrastructure is as difficult to implement as much as it is to maintain. For example, setting up a hybrid cloud infrastructure creates a strong demand for network capabilities, storage, and servers. Implementation of all these is time-intensive and requires accuracy to stave off any inherent issue that may result after.
Security Concerns
The blend of public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises deployment makes the hybrid cloud infrastructure to be free of risks such as intrusion between neighbouring environments. However, there might be cases of misuse of the hybrid cloud infrastructure contracted by third-party vendors. This puts the organizations at risk in terms of cyberattacks on the primary server, potentially creating the possibility of breaches to systems.
Visibility
Cloud environments are complicated and this increases as organizations divide their environment into multiple clouds. This results in more complicated operations for organizations and makes it difficult for them to achieve a clear view of their cloud environment. This includes all systems, platforms, applications, requirements, and processes that the organizations must manage. Lack of an understanding about the current infrastructure and operations leads organizations to miss out on inherent issues and opportunities. This further makes it difficult for the organizations to meet compliance regulations.
Hardware Expenses
With the hybrid cloud infrastructure, organizations must maintain and spend on on-premises hardware for handling the computing needs of the private cloud. Although public cloud operations offset the hardware expenses ultimately, it still depends on organizations and their computing requirements. Also, the cost accompanied with maintenance and installation of the hybrid cloud infrastructure is high.
To Sum Up
Technology leaders and organizations must be strategic in embracing the hybrid cloud infrastructure. The cloud market continues to grow unabated, with a Gartner study estimating revenues over US$ 360 Bn by 2022-end. As more and more organizations continue to converge public and private cloud operations, newer challenges are expected to emerge.
However, the hybrid cloud is touted to help organizations identify the right balance. Organizations must weigh the benefits and disadvantages of the hybrid cloud infrastructure against their priorities and mission-critical objectives.